the garden of emeralds

Knaptoft, Leicestershire, England

The well in front of the St Nicholas Church. The path leads to the church’s cemetery which the remains of the church stand behind.

Shrubbery around the area of the St Nicholas Church

Knaptoft’s little main street

It’s not known when Knaptoft was established, but it’s existed as early as the 13th century, when its church was built. Its name is believed to descend from Old Scandinavian, knappr meaning the top of a hill, and toft meaning a home, though it has been recorded under plenty names, one of them being Cnapetot. Most of the residents made fabric for a living or raised livestock. It was deserted in the 17th century for unknown reasons. Its main attraction is the St Nicholas church which is believed to have been destroyed during the English Civil War by Parliamentarians and today lies in ruins. Today, only about 50 residents remain in Knaptoft.